From Leicester to the World: The Story Behind a Vertical Vendors

Vertical Vendors • August 12, 2025

From Leicester to the World: The Story Behind a Vertical Vendors

We're incredibly proud of our UK heritage and our unwavering dedication to quality. Every single unit we produce is a product of this pride, meticulously crafted in our in-house manufacturing facility near Leicester. The story of Vertical Vendors is built on a foundation of craftsmanship and a passion for innovation, a story that began with our two co-founders, James Cooper and Ben Jones-Fenleigh.


Our UK Manufacturing Advantage


From the very beginning, we made the choice to manufacture our units at home in the UK. This was a deliberate decision to maintain exceptional quality control and reduce the carbon footprint associated with overseas manufacturing. Our 95,000 sq ft factory near Leicester operates 24 hours a day and employs over 80 team members, allowing us to keep our standards high because you need them to be. The Vertical Vendor Retail system is manufactured to ISO 9001 standards, ensuring everything we make is built with precision and care.


Built to Last, Built to Perform


Our units are made from sheet metal, which makes them very robust in-store. They are designed for a long life and are also completely recyclable. The internal system features injection moulded parts made from recycled plastics. This circular design thinking process is central to our ethos; we have designed all our units for re-use and recyclability. They are also incredibly versatile, with the ability to be rebranded with card wraps or magnetic graphics, giving them a fresh look for multiple campaigns.


The People Behind the Product


Our company’s strategy and vision are led by our co-founders. James Cooper, our Owner, Founder, and Managing Director, established VV’s parent company, Metalfacture Limited, back in 1997. He determines the company's strategy in terms of manufacturing capacity and raw material supply. Our Founding Director, Ben Jones-Fenleigh, oversees sales, operations, and manufacturing. Ben also drives the social media campaigns that have attracted retailers, drink manufacturers, and dealers from around the world.


A Global Reach with a Local Heart


We’ve grown from our Leicester roots to have a global reach, with our units now stocked in 57 countries. This success is built on the foundation of our UK-based manufacturing and our unwavering commitment to quality and service. Our standards are high because that’s what you deserve.


Want to partner with a company that values quality and craftsmanship? Get in touch to learn more about our UK-made merchandising solutions.


Read more about our award-winning designs and find out why we're the right choice for your brand.




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